Musicians from Western Canada take the stage in Regina for BreakOut West festival

Musicians from across Western Canada are making their way to the Queen City this weekend.

The 14th annual BreakOut West music festival returns to Regina this weekend. Regina was the site of the first BreakOut West back in 2003 and returned in 2012.

BreakOut West focuses on new and emerging artists.

The festival will see over 65 different acts perform on 13 different venues across Regina.

Robyn Stewart is the executive director of BreakOut West and she says the event is a great way for artists to meet people involved in the music industry and help take the next step in their careers.

The festival also offers musicians a chance to play in front of crowds they haven’t seen before.

“The public can see as many artists as they can over the course of the festival and find some music that many have never been to Regina before,” Stewart said.

Stewart said Regina is home to many great, supportive music venues.

“Especially over the last few years, there has been a lot of resurgence of the really great venue for the artist,” Stewart said.

Stewart also praised Regina venues for being supportive of all the musicians that come through the city.

The weekend kicked off with the Western Canadian Music Awards on Thursday which was hosted by Brett Kissell.

Regina’s own Colin James was inducted into the Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame at this year’s event.

“I guess 35 years of hitting the pavement, playing music, it’s nice. It’ll be nice for the acknowledgement and to have it here in Regina will make it sweeter,” James told 980 CJME‘s John Gormley.

Stewart had a little bit of advice for those wanting to attend for the first time this year.

“Target a venue to go see a band you may have heard of or may be interested in and when you get there you’ll see two or three others that blow you away that you’ve never heard of and you’ll find some great new music to listen too.”

The festival runs for four days and a schedule of the performances can be found here.